Black Male Student Organizations at Predominantly White Institutions: Social Support for Persistence

• In Event: 14.045 - Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: 14.045-7 - Getting Involved: Student Engagement and Outcomes for Diverse Communities

Abstract

Gathering data from Black male students at a Predominately White Institution (PWI), the authors attempt to capture the mechanisms of support provided by Black male affinity groups on college campuses. Ethnic student organizations have the potential to play a critical role in positively structuring the experiences and retention rates of racial minorities at PWIs (Gonzales, 2003; Harper & Quaye, 2007; Museus, 2008). This paper explores the Brotherhood Student Group (BSG) and its role in helping students persist through the often-hostile campus climate presented to racial and ethnic minorities at PWIs. Our analysis suggests that through membership in campus organizations such as BSG, students were able to benefit due to its structure as a space of power, support, and safety.

Authors

• Justin Avery Coles, Fordham Graduate School of Education

• Antar Akari Tichavakunda, University of Southern California